Some voters who reside in the City of East Lansing — and also the Lansing School District — will be eligible to vote in a May 3 special election on a bond proposal to fund capital improvements at several schools: Mt. Hope STEAM Magnet, Willow Elementary, Lewton Elementary, and Sheridan Road STEM Magnet.
Because the school district and municipal boundaries do not perfectly align, some people who reside in East Lansing are actually part of the Lansing School District. (See the boundary map here.)
WKAR reported in February that Lansing schools plan to “issue nearly $130 million in bonds over 30 years to revitalize four of its core buildings.” The four buildings, named above, would be razed and rebuilt. Additionally, the bond money would also allow for upgrading air conditioning and other renovations at Sexton High School.
In its reporting, WKAR explained that the funding is not a new millage, but an extension of a current plan.
Here’s what East Lansing residents who reside in the Lansing School District need to know.
The affected voters reside in East Lansing election precincts 1, 5 and 17. Note that only some of the residents in these precincts are within the Lansing district boundaries. Most still reside within the East Lansing district boundaries.
According to information on its website, the East Lansing City Clerk “will contact the affected voters via mail and inform them of their polling location change for this Special Election.”
Those who opt to vote in person should be aware of the polling location changes for this election:
- Precinct 1: Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing
- Precinct 5: Post Oak School, 2320 Post Oak Lane, Lansing
- Precinct 17: Post Oak School, 2320 Post Oak Lane, Lansing
For those voting absentee, ballots should be available at the East Lansing City Clerk’s office by the end of this month. They can be left in the drop box located in the parking lot next to City Hall.
According to the Clerk’s website: “The East Lansing City Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to register voters and issue/receive absent voter ballots for this Special Election. Additionally, the East Lansing City Clerk’s Office will be open on Tuesday, May 3 during polling location hours (7 a.m.-8 p.m.) to register voters and issue/receive absent voter ballots.”
Unsure if you are supposed to vote in this election? You can find out more here. You can also email the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofeastlansing.com or call at (517) 319-6914.
East Lansing Public Schools will be electing new trustees this fall. Here’s what you need to know if you are interested in running.
Four spots will be up for grabs on the East Lansing School Board during the 2022 General Election on Nov. 8. East Lansing Info has yet to confirm if any of the incumbents – President Kate Powers, Vice President Chris Martin, Treasurer Kath Edsall, or Trustee Terah Chambers – are planning to run for reelection.
Martin is running to be a judge in the 54B District Court and replace Judge Richard Ball, who is retiring.
Those interested in running for School Board trustee must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of the East Lansing Public Schools district.
All paperwork must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, with the Ingham County Clerk. The filing forms include an affidavit of identity and nominating petitions. The latter must include no less than 40 and no more than 100 valid signatures of registered voters who reside in the East Lansing school district. Candidates can opt to pay a $100 fee instead of providing nominating petitions.
Paperwork for candidacy is available at both the East Lansing City Clerk’s office and the Ingham County Clerk’s office.
Candidates who wish to withdraw their applications have until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 29, to do so. School Board candidates must also comply with campaign finance laws and disclosures.
Visit cl.ingham.org or call (517) 676-7255 for more information.